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<br />(Platanus racemosa), and at higher elevations, Coast Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) <br />thrive. In certain regions, the exotic Tamarisk (Tamarix aff. aphylla) is also present. <br /> <br />Shrub vegetation and phreatophytes. This vegetation complex coexists with young <br />willows and is dominated by the native mule's fat (Baccharis glutinosa), present near the <br />river channel and on riverbanks. Coastal sage scrub and chaparral species such as white <br />sage, black sage, laural sumac, and California buckwheat are present in the coastal plain <br />adjacent to the river channel. <br /> <br />Herbaceous layer. This layer represents a high level of variability with native and non- <br />native or exotic plant species, including the sunflower species (Helianthus spp.) due to <br />the alteration of the habitat. . <br /> <br />Aquatic or semi-aquatic plants. These are plants found within the river channel and <br />areas inundated with water. The distribution of plant species varies greatly including <br />bullrush species (Scirpus spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.) and some aquatic herbs. Many <br />species are introduced, including giant reed (Arundo donax). <br /> <br />Due to the variety of the aforementioned plant layers or strata and its jungle-like <br />aspect, the riparian habitat produces an abundance and diversity of bird species that is <br />unrivaled in Southern and Baja California (Zembal 1998). In addition, riparian areas are <br />"outstanding for breeding neotropical migrants bird species" (Shapiro 1991: 23). <br />According to bird surveys conducted in the Santa Margarita River located approximately <br />60 miles (96.5 kilometers) to the north of Tijuana, 150 bird species were found in <br />breeding densities ranging from 477 to 935 pairs per 100 acres of riparian habitat <br />(Zembal 1998). The most common and widespread bird species in riparian habitats in the <br />Southern California-Baja California area are the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), <br />common yellowthroat (Geothylpis trichas), rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo <br />erythrophthalmus), Bewick's wren (Pheucticus melanocephalus), bushtit (Psaltriparu <br />minimus), black headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), red winged black bird <br />(Angelaius phoeniccus), the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), and Snowy Egret <br />(Egretta thula). In the United States, numerous riparian bird species are now closely <br />monitored due to their declining numbers. Several are endangered, including the Least <br />Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) and willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) <br />(Zembal 1998). <br /> <br />The Alamar River Corridor is a potential site for birdwatching as a recreational and <br />tourist activity. Birdwatching has become a major industry in North America, generating <br />$25 billion annually (Clines 2001). With proper vegetation protection and restoration, <br />along with more infrastructure such as constructed trails and detention ponds, the Alamar <br />River Corridor could be an important tourist attraction for domestic and international <br />birdwatchers. The commercial returns of just one activity, birdwatching, is an example of <br />the potential economical benefits the Alamar River Corridor has to offer. <br /> <br />Although bird surveys have not been conducted in the Alamar River Corridor, the <br />vegetation strata present optimal habitat for most of the previously mentioned bird <br /> <br />30 <br />